Colombian Bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez Found Dead in Spain

June 20, 2025 – The bodybuilding world is in shock after the tragic death of Colombian champion Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, known online as “Colombian She-Hulk.” The 43-year-old athlete was found dead in her luxury apartment in Fuengirola, Spain, on June 19, in what police believe was a murder-suicide carried out by her husband.

The Discovery

Authorities were alerted after Zunilda’s gym partner reported not seeing her since June 14. Police arrived at the upscale Higueron West residential complex around 1:45 PM and made the grim discovery.

Zunilda’s body showed signs of severe violence, with investigators confirming she had been beaten to death with a hammer. In the bathroom, officers found the body of her 46-year-old husband, Jarrod Gelling, an American-Colombian bodybuilder, with what appeared to be self-inflicted knife wounds.

A Troubled Relationship

Family members revealed that Zunilda had been planning to leave Jarrod due to his aggressive behavior. Her niece, Yuleydis, told local media that the couple had previously separated but reconciled, only for the abuse to continue.

“She had decided to divorce him because of his aggression,” Yuleydis said. “This was supposed to be her last trip with him before going back to Colombia alone.”

Zunilda had recently returned from Dubai, where the couple frequently stayed. She had been helping Jarrod recover from knee surgery before preparing for a bodybuilding competition in Portugal.

A Rising Star Cut Short

Zunilda was a celebrated figure in professional bodybuilding, earning second place in the 2021 NPC Worldwide Latin American Championships. She also had a strong social media presence, with over 100,000 followers across platforms where she shared fitness content.

Her coach, Branden Rey, posted a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, writing: “We were 17 days away from stepping on stage and shocking the world. You could have been top 10 this year. Rest in paradise.”

Fellow bodybuilder Behnaz Azar also mourned her loss, calling Zunilda “the strongest woman I knew, with the gentlest heart.”

A Growing Problem of Gender Violence

If confirmed as a domestic violence homicide, this would be the third such case in Spain’s Malaga province this year. The tragedy has reignited discussions about intimate partner violence, particularly in the expatriate community.

Spanish police confirmed that neither Zunilda nor Jarrod had prior domestic violence reports, making the incident even more shocking.

Outpouring of Grief

The fitness and bodybuilding communities have flooded social media with tributes. Many remembered Zunilda not just for her strength, but for her kindness and determination.

Her death serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse—even for those who seem physically invincible.